RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. --- Biola Baseball is pleased to announce the addition of an electric outfielder in Jonathan Smith from Los Osos High School. Smith is a switch-hitter who ended the shortened 2020 season among the top-15 high school hitters in the San Gabriel Valley with a .476 batting average, nine runs and eight RBI's

The outfielder will join the Biola Boys after catching the attention of Head Coach Jeff Calhoon at multiple showcase events over the years, where Smith displayed his speed and ability to make contact from both sides of the plate:

"Jonathan is a fast, long, lean athlete and brings a switch-hitting bat to our class in the outfield. Watching Jonathan over the past three years has been enjoyable and it is exciting to see him develop," said Coach Calhoon. "Jonathan and his family are great and we cannot wait to get him on campus this fall!"

Before seeing his strong start to the 2020 season cut short, Smith also helped the Grizzlies return to winning ways in 2019. Los Osos got back to the CIF Southern Section playoffs with a 17-10 record during Smith's junior year after going 8-19 the year prior. 

Then the Grizzlies followed that playoff appearance with a good start in 2020, registering some big victories across their nine games that included winning scores of 9-4, 24-2 and 15-1. 

Away from the diamond, the Rancho Cucamonga-native was named to the honor roll all four of his years at Los Osos and serves as a student-leader in the youth ministry at his church. He intends to major in communications at Biola and has a goal of becoming a sports broadcaster.

In the meantime, Smith is excited about moving into a supportive environment at Biola while he earns his degree and continues to play the game he loves: 

"I chose Biola because I am excited to get my education at a school where I can grow my faith in God while being part of a great team," said Smith.

Jonathan Smith will join his new teammates in the coming fall semester as the Biola Boys prepare for their first real shot at an NCAA West Regional berth. More information on the incoming 2020-21 class that will join him at Biola can be found on the Committed Athletes page.